7 Intriguing Fun Facts About The Rose Parade

The Rose Parade is an American New Year’s tradition that’s been parading down Colorado Boulevard and onto our television screens for the past 129 years, but do you know the 7 intriguing fun facts about the Rose Parade?

After combing through the Tournament of Rose’s website and perusing every article possible written, it was tough to narrow it down to only seven tidbits of information. After all, it’s a century old for crying out loud.

No cars allowed, except …

You heard me. There are only 4 cars allowed in the parade and they carry the Grand Marshal, Mayor of Pasadena, the Rose Bowl Game Hall of Fame Inductees and the Tournament of Roses President. The cars aren’t held to the same “everything must be covered in a living organism” rule, but are frequently draped with Instagram-worthy florals.

The Rose Parade sticks to three main eye-attractions which include: marching bands, equestrians and floats.

Each float is decorated with 5 YEARS worth of flowers.

There’s really no need for any more detail than what’s in the headline, because that fun fact is cray.

The Rose Parade is no joke.

Between the 935 Tournament of Roses Association members ( with an executive committee who elect the Grand Marshal every year), countless volunteers and the combined manpower of 80,000 hours of planning and execution to triple check the parade goes off without a hitch, is alone a feat in itself. Did you know that as soon as the parade is over, planning for next year’s show begins immediately? Talk about no rest for the wicked!

They’re most definitely judging you.

Well, at least three people appointed by the Tournament of Roses Association. A three-member judging panel visually prunes each float so it can give out a number of awards to deserving floats that meet award-worthy criteria.

Last year 24 Rose Parade floats received official recognition. The scores are based off visual creativeness as well as dramatic impact. Awards are given out prior to the parade and its top award Sweepstakes is given to the most beautiful float.

Were you invited to the pre – Rose Parade party?

Colorado Blvd. is jammed with media, equestrians, marching bands and floats on New Year’s Day, but the day before hosts its own New Year’s Eve tradition.

Every December 31st a parade of classic cars takes the same route and hosts its own spectacle down Colorado Boulevard.

We shall never march on a Sunday.

This rule started in 1893 to avoid riling the horses during church services.

Say my name, say my name.

There are many names associated with the New Year’s Day tradition that it’s hard to keep up, but the Rose Parade was once dubbed the Battle of the Roses in its younger years.

Cheers family and friends, hope you have a wonderful new year filled with love and support!

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